Venezuela temporarily suspended all the flights with Colombia, referring to the “threat of terrorism.”
The Minister of Internal Affairs Diosdado Cabel said on the air of the state television channel VTV that a large number of mercenaries penetrated the country from the territory of Columbia.
In this regard, according to him, the authorities adopted a number of measures on the eve of the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 25.
Cabel claims that attempts are being made to disrupt the elections.
“We ordered to immediately suspend all the flights from Colombia to Venezuela, because, according to our data, persons associated with violence, terrorism and mafia penetrate the country through the land border,” he said.
The minister said that 38 people were detained, 17 of them were foreigners. Among them there are citizens of Colombia, Mexico and Ukraine.
Cabel accused the former presidents of Colombia Ivan Duke, Juan Manuel Santos, Alvaro Uribe and Andres Pasron in a conspiracy against Venezuela and terrorist activities, emphasizing that Venezuela authorities will not allow this.
He also announced the receipt of intelligence about preparing attacks on buildings of foreign embassies.
“Embassies accredited in Venezuela are selected as the main goals. Also in the list of objects – police areas, hospitals, medical centers and transformer substations,” the minister added.
sharp criticism of the opposition
Cabble also made a harsh criticism of the opposition leader Maria Korina Machado, saying that she was standing behind the aforementioned terrorist actions.
May 25, Venezuela will host the elections of governors in 24 states, as well as the elections of deputies to the National Assembly (AN).